Drag and drop a file; send it to the desktop of another computer on your network. Dukto makes local file sharing simple, regardless of operating system.

Setting up a home network can be complicated, especially if some combination of Mac, Linux and Windows is involved. Sometimes, giving someone access to your shared folders isn't worth it – when a guest wants to quickly share a few files, for example. Don't reach for the thumb drives: any two computers with Dukto installed can quickly share files and text. There's no setup, and no cloud service to sign into: the transfer occurs completely on your local network.

The software is open source – clients for Windows, Mac and Linux means just about any computer can work with it. Third party apps compatible with the software offer mobile support. Here's how it works.

Send a Local File, Quickly

Start up Dutko on two computers, on the same network. Right away you see each computer from the other. Here's my Windows computer, as seen from my MacBook:

dukto-main-mac

And here's my MacBook, as seen from my Windows computer:

dukto-main-windows

There's virtually no setup: just open the app on two machines and you should be good, barring any firewalls you may have installed.

So what's the point? At this point you can, from either system, click the other computer to see a few options.

dukto-sending-files

I can type and send text, or simply paste the contents of the clipboard. I can also send files or folders, by clicking the button or dragging-and-droping from my file manager.

Files are sent immediately – there's no need for confirmation – and show up on the desktop of the other computer by default (you can optionally pick another folder).

duckto-file-recieved

Sending text excerpts is similarly simple: it shows up inside the app itself:

dukto-text-recieved

How often have you wanted a quick way to send a bit of text from one computer to another? Dukto solves this.

This simple app doesn't offer much in terms of settings. You can change the folder files are received in and change the default color; that's it.

dukto-settings

Dukto is simple, but it doesn't need to be anything else. If you want to quickly get a file from one computer to another, and don't care to set up file sharing, this is the best tool you can ask for.

Having said that, Dukto isn't perfect. There's currently no support for minimizing to the tray, meaning you'll probably find yourself needing to open the app on both computers before sending any files.

Download

You can go ahead and download Dukto from msec.it. You'll find installation files for Windows and Mac, and installation instructions for Linux.

dukto-install-mac

You'll also find links for compatible, third-party clients for a variety of opearting systems. There's versions for iOS and Blackberry, but nothing for Android – there was a port once, but it seems to have disappeared.

Alternatives

Not convinced Dukto is right for you? There are some similar apps out there for the job.

Nitroshare, which lets you easily share files between operatings systems, is worth a look. I don't find it as streamlined as Dukto, but some will prefer having access to optoins.

nitroshare

Apple's Airdrop, which quickly shares file between two Macs is great – assuming you only use Mac computers. It's powerless to send files to your Windows or Linux PC, and even older versions of Linux. But if your home is a Mac-only one, stick with Airdrop – there's no sense in installing unnecessary software.

Do you know of any other ways to quickly share files over your local network? Please, fill me – and your fellows – in using the comments below.